Dating

The local wisdom seems to be that the way to meet members of the opposite sex is to go to bars and clubs, hook up, start meeting out at bars and clubs on a gradually more regular basis, and suddenly one day realize you are dating. Of course, I do believe this method is used widely in many parts of the world. But here, that is the generally accepted means of finding a significant other.

Oddly, through keen observation and probing discussions, I have found that the men here tend to seem a little sweeter. Maybe it is because my cohorts and I are American and are somehow treated differently (a theory which may prove difficult to test because although the fake British accent I am cultivating is coming along, it by no means would allow me to pass myself off as a local).

The men here (British or of other European origin) tend to pay for everything and some seem a tad offended if the woman offers to pay. While it is somewhat less progressive than I’m normally comfortable with, I do try to make an effort to embrace cultural differences.

Men use words like “lovely” with great regularity, which in turn can be polite, formal, charming and perhaps even sexy if uttered by the right man (Colin Firth, say).

E-mails and text messages are peppered with endearing sentiments and always signed off with a kiss…or two – one for each cheek.